Q & A #3

I’m getting married this May in Bogotá, Colombia, and I’ll be wearing morning dress (photo attached). I wanted to ask your view on the combination I’m planning: a white shirt, double-breasted buff waistcoat, and a light blue tie with white polka dots (see other photo).
Do you think the shirt colour works, and does the tie colour/pattern feel appropriate for a groom at a morning wedding?

Not so much a steady stream of questions, more a raging torrent. I’ll try to keep up…

Dear Federico,

Firstly, and most importantly, congratulations to you both ahead of your May wedding. Exciting times indeed.

The short answer is that you can wear exactly what you like as it is your wedding, dependent on the good lady’s approval of course. As the Groom we are only second to the Bride on the big day and quite right too.

There’s something special about morning wear and you’ve nailed it for me. I love the coat and a buff waistcoat is a particular favourite of mine. Classic strides, black whole cuts or oxfords, necktie, a peak of a pocket square and the right show of white shirt cuff make for a faultless look.

For us all to consider, just as in evening wear, the uniform approach is key. The difference being the attention to detail. Our trousers shall be high-waisted and either flat-fronted or pleated it is up to you, as are turn-ups. Two inches for me, size does matter.

Another option when choosing your shirt is a pale-coloured shirt body with a white collar and double-cuffs. ‘Collars and cuffs darling’ Stripes work for me as does sky blue or a baby pink.

The contrasting waistcoat can be either single or double-breasted, with or without lapels. Buff, dove grey and powder blue are my favourites, closely followed by cream, pale yellow or dusty pink. A classic ‘on the slim side of perfect’ necktie with a pinched four-in-hand knot secured with a glorious tie-pin is gloriously standard, as is a buttonhole flower making for an elegant finishing touch.

Oh and by the way, your beautiful bride’s bouquet shall provide your buttonhole flower. It’s that attention to detail that only some will notice, though you’ll both know.

You’re sure to have a wonderful day and we shall raise a glass -

‘the Bride and Groom’!

Best,

Nigel